Chawton, Hampshire, GU34

Southfield Farm Cottage is a beautifully presented period home occupying a delightful position within one of Hampshire’s most sought-after villages. Rich in character and history, the property combines a wealth of original features, including exposed beams, fireplaces and traditional cottage detailing, with well-balanced accommodation ideally suited to modern family living. The location is very special, offering the rare combination of village living while being set in the Hampshire countryside.

The ground floor is particularly atmospheric, centred around a series of elegant rooms that lend themselves equally well to everyday living and entertaining. The welcoming sitting room is a wonderful space, featuring exposed timbers and a handsome Inglenook fireplace with a wood-burning stove, while the dining hall provides an ideal setting for both formal occasions and relaxed family gatherings. A twin-aspect study offers an excellent environment for home working or quiet retreat.
The triple aspect kitchen/breakfast room forms the heart of the home. Filled with natural light and enjoying attractive views across the gardens, it provides ample space for informal dining alongside a range cooker, base and eye level cabinets and work surfaces. Double doors open out to an adjoining terrace and an ideal space for outdoor dining. A utility room and cloakroom complete the ground floor accommodation.

There are four bedrooms to the first floor, each enjoying its own character and outlook over the gardens and surrounding countryside. The principal bedroom benefits from an en suite shower room, whilst the remaining bedrooms are served by a family bathroom.

The overall flexibility of property is enhanced with a detached studio, ideal as a home office, creative workspace or gym, together with a substantial store offering excellent storage and versatility. The detached studio and substantial store provide excellent flexibility for a variety of uses. Of particular interest, planning permission was previously granted under reference SDNP/21/01997/HOUS for the demolition of the existing store and the construction of a detached outbuilding incorporating ancillary accommodation. The consent has since lapsed; however, it may be of interest to prospective purchasers exploring future possibilities for the site, subject to obtaining any necessary consents and permissions.

Outside
The exceptional gardens and grounds are a particular feature of the property and create a wonderful sense of privacy, tranquillity and connection to the surrounding countryside.

Beautifully established and thoughtfully planted, the gardens surround the house and provide an ever-changing backdrop throughout the seasons. Expansive areas of lawn are interspersed with mature trees,flowering borders and specimen planting. The outer areas of the garden include an orchard and are marked by mature hedgerows. The gardens and grounds offer ample space for families to enjoy, keen gardeners to indulge their passion, and those seeking a tranquil rural lifestyle to simply relax and unwind.
Immediately adjoining the house, a herringbone terrace provides the perfect setting for outdoor entertaining and relaxation. A further terrace adjoins the kitchen/breakfast room and provides an ideal space for dining.

The property is approached via a generous gravel driveway providing extensive parking and access to a substantial open fronted barn, store and studio.

Situation
Southfield Farm Cottage is approached via a shared private road and occupies an enchanting location about three-quarters of a mile to the south of the village of Chawton. The village is renowned for its association with Jane Austen and surrounded by some of Hampshire’s most attractive countryside set within the northern borders of the South Downs National Park. There is an active community with a church, primary school, ‘The Greyfriars’ public house and cafe. The village is home to Jane Austen’s House and Museum, a Grade I listed building, with a lovely landscaped garden. The surrounding countryside provides ample opportunity for a number of country pursuits. The thriving market town of Alton has a good range of individual shops, Waitrose food shop, M&S Simply Food, sports centre, schooling for all age groups and railway station to London Waterloo. The A31 provides a link to the A3 and M3 with routes to London, the south west and beyond.

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